The Unseen Poetry section is worth twenty marks and you should spend about twenty minutes on it in the examination.

Read the poem for meaning initially.

Pay attention to the title of the poem — it will often give you some clues to the meaning.

Try to imagine reading the poem aloud. Develop a voice in your head. It will be easier to identify the rhythm, rhyming scheme and aural effects if you ‘hear’ the poem read aloud.

Are there any vivid images in the poem? What is the effect?

Does the poet use any similes, metaphors or personification? What are the effects?

Look at the questions on the poem. Underline the most important words in the questions. Try to establish exactly what you are expected to do.

Now go back to the poem and read it again. Underline the most important lines in the poem.

Always use quotation to support your points.